The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1887-06-10
CHEF JUSTICE MERcuR.
DEATH OF THE EMINENT JURIsT MONDAY
MORNING.

Chief Justice Mercur of the state
Supreme Court, died at the residence
of his son at Wallingford near Phila-
delphia, on Monday, after an illness of
ten days. He was born at Towanda
May 2S, 1918, and always resided there.
He graduated from the Jefferson col
lege, Canonsburg, at the age of "a.
He read law in the office of Judge
William McKennon, of Pittsburg, He
was delegate to the convention that
nominated John G. Fremont for presi-
dent, and was a Lincoln presidential
elector in 1860. He was appointed
judge of the common pleas court of
Bradford county in 1862, and was sub
sequently elected to fill the same posi-
tion for term of ten years.
In 1854 he resigned and was elected
to Congress by the republicans, from
the district composed of Bradford,
Columbia, Wyoming, Sullivan and
Montour counties, his opponent being
Victor E. Piolett. In 1866 he was
again elected, defeating Judge Elwell.
In 1868 and 1870 he was reelected, the
last time defeating Captain Brockway
by only 124. In 1872 he was elected
a justice of the Supreme Court, and be
came Chief Justice in January 1888.
His term of Office would have expired
on January l, 1888, aud the probabil-
tiles are that he would have been re-
nominated for the Supreme bench.
His ancestors went to Bradford
county from Lancaster county, and his
early professional career was spent in
that locality, where he had eminent
success at the bar, and was conspicuous
in politics. He was formerly demo
crat, and as such took an active interes,
in politics, and was elected to the
Thirtieth congress. He was a fire..
quent delegate to state conventions
and leading counsellor in the party.
The detection of David Wilmot, and
other circumstances before the wal
changed the political complexion Of
that region and he became republican
While in Congress Judge Mercul
served with distinction. Since his ele
walton to the bench his career has beer
solely Judicial, and he has been but
little known in politics, though his ad
vice was often sought and highly
valued by the leaders of his party. HI
leaves a reputation as Judge of the
strictest integrity and purity.
His wife, sister of Gen. w. III. H.
Davis of Doylestown, survives hin
and he leaves daughter and four sons
the Oldest of whom, Rodney A. is ;
prominent young attorney at Tow anda
Thirty years ago the bar of Bradford
county embraced number of attorney
who were the peers of any in the state
David Wilmot was on the bench, ant
among those who practiced befor,
him were William Watkins, Edward
Oveston ST., John G. Adams, Ulysse
Mercur, William Elwell, K. w. Baird
James Macfarlane, George Sandersol
who afterwald ds removed to Scranton
G. L. Ward, David Cash and many
others. Most of these finished thei
earthly labors years ago, and for som,
time Chief Justice Mercur and Judg
Elwell were all that remained of thi
brilliant circle of distinguished lawyers
The death of the former leaves Judge
Elwellth sole survivor of all those WHIT
were prominent in practice when h,
was at the bar.
Judge Mercur's legal ability was no
his only distinguishing Characteristic
In his home life ne displayed man,
traits of character that made him
popular and useful citizen. He was al
indulgent and affectionate father anC
husband, and an active supporter of tn
Episcopal church. He has fallen will
his armor on, and his memory will Ions
be cherished by all whose privilege i
was to know him.
Extra Session Likely.